parents who persuade their sons to become clergymen, in order to obtain a good living, or follow a respectable profession ! What is it but persuading them to say what is not true, and to take the Lord's name in vain ? None do such injury to the cause of Christianity, as unconverted, worldly ministers. They are a support to the infidel, a joy to the devil, and an offence to God.
Let us notice, in the second place, the nature of the office to which the apostles were ordained. They were to " be with Christ." They were to be " sent forth to preach." They were to have " power to heal sicknesses." They were to " cast out devils."
These four points deserve attention. They contain much instruction. Our Lord's twelve apostles, beyond doubt, were a distinct order of men. They had no successors when they died. Strictly and literally speak- ing, there is no such thing as apostolical succession. No man can be really called a " successor of the apostles," unless he can work miracles, and teach infallibly, as they did. But still, in saying this, we must not forget, that in many things the apostles were intended to be patterns and models for all ministers of the Gospel. Bearing this in mind, we may draw most useful lessons from this passage, as to the duties of a faithful minister.
Like the apostles, the faithful minister ought to keep up close communion with Christ. He should be much " with Him." His fellowship should be " with the Son." (1 John i. 3.) He should abide in Him. He should be separate from the world, and daily sit, like Mary, at Jesus' feet, and hear His word. Tie should study Him, copy Him, drink into His Spirit, and walk in His steps.
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He should strive to be able to say, when he enters the pulpit, " that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you." (1 John i. 3.)
Like the apostles, the faithful minister ought to be a preacher. This must ever be his principal work, and receive the greatest part of his thoughts. He must place it above the administration of the sacraments. (1 Cor. i. 17.) He must exalt it above the reading of forms. An unpreaching minister is of little use to the church of Christ. He is a lampless light-house, a silent trum- peter, a sleeping watchman, a painted fire.
Like the apostles, the faithful minister must labor to do good in every way. Though he cannot heal the sick, he must seek to alleviate sorrow, and to increase happi- ness among all with whom he has to do. He must strive to be known as the comforter, the counsellor, the peace- maker, the helper, and the friend of all. Men should know him, not as one who rules and domineers, but as one who is " their servant for Jesus' sake." (2 Cor. iv. 5.)
Like the apostles, the faithful minister must oppose every work of the devil. Though not called now to cast out evil spirits from the body, he must be ever ready to resist the devil's devices, and to denounce his snares for the soul. He must expose the tendency of races, theatres, balls, gambling, drunkenness, Sabbath-profanation, and sensual gratifications. Every age has its own peculiar temptations. Many are the devices of Satan. But whatever be the direction in which the devil is most busy, there ought the minister to be, ready to confront and withstand him.
How great is the responsibility of ministers ! How heavy their work, if they do their duty ! How r^ch